Tropical Storm Blas Forms West of Mexico

After having no tropical storms during the first month and a half of the Eastern North Pacific hurricane season, Blas became the second tropical storm to form in the past two days.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Blas was located at latitude 12.4°N and longitude 112.2°W which put it about 740 miles (1190 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Blas was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

The circulation of Tropical Storm Blas organized quickly on Sunday.  A primary rainband wrapped around the western and southern portions of the center of circulation.  Additional rainbands spiraled around the core of the storm.  The intensity of the thunderstorms weakened for a few hours, but storms east of the center of the circulation are intensifying again.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 70 miles (115 km) from the center of circulation.

An upper level ridge northeast of Blas is causing some northeasterly winds to blow over the top of the tropical storm.  The winds are responsible for vertical wind shear and they are inhibiting upper level divergence to the east of the circulation.  Tropical Storm Blas is moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  In spite of the vertical wind shear the environment is favorable for intensification and Blas could become a hurricane on Monday.

A ridge of high pressure north of Blas is steering the tropical storm toward the west-northwest and that general motion is expected to continue for the next several days.  Tropical Storm Blas is moving away from Mexico.